ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Protecting payment card data at fuel dispensers should be a top priority for any retailer, especially with incidents of skimming popping up all over the country. Recently, Conexxus released a new version of “Protecting Payment Card Data at Your Dispensers” to assist retailers in pump defense.

The brief outlines both low-cost and more expensive ways gasoline retailers can protect their customers’ credit and debit card data. For example, low-cost preventative measures include monitoring dispensers for any high levels of bad card reads or problems accepting cards and keeping an eye out for any “technicians” performing unscheduled work on dispensers. Other proactive methods include replacing generic pump terminal door locks with unique locks and installing proper lighting on the forecourt.

NACS offers We Care serialized security stickers that work in conjunction with its SkimDefend app developed by NACS and The Pinnacle Corporation. With the SkimDefend app, store operators scan the code at each pump location where a NACS WeCare decal is applied, or enter label numbers manually. Decal usage may also be considered at other locations such as ATMs, car wash controllers, network cabinets and PCs.

“By teaming up with Pinnacle, NACS is able to help convenience store operators combat skimming at the dispenser, and anywhere else hardware is at potential risk. NACS members, and especially our WeCare decal users, are encouraged to take advantage of this app while it is free, and help us enhance the power of SkimDefend by sharing usage experiences,” said Doug Spencer, director of products and services at NACS.

Convenience store operators can download the SkimDefend app free of charge for Apple and Android mobile devices, and the NACS WeCare decals can be purchased at nacsonline.com/wecare.